Thank you for the question.
The “overhang” or pouch present just above the pubic area is a very common problem area seen after C-section surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery is routinely and safely done after C-section surgery. Most well experienced plastic surgeons are able to deal with the scar tissue that remains after C-section surgery. The result is a much smoother transition between the lower abdominal wall and the pubic area. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is medically/psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, does not smoke, is capable of arranging enough recovery time and who has reached a long-term stable weight. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.
Web reference:
http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm
CoolSculpting works on depots of extra stored fat above the muscle wall. The abdomen is puffy for a whle after a C section and if the bulge is more related to the muscle protrusion or fat behind the muscle wall, the Zeltiq's CoolSculpting will not help. If there is fat above the muscle and underneath the skin, then CoolSculpting would possibly be a good treatment, when your surgeon states that you have healed strong enough to undergo the suction of CoolSculpting.
Web reference:
http://www.thenyac.com/zeltiq/index.html
Hi aboger07,
CoolSculpting® is an option for patients looking to reduce the fat of isolated areas like the lower abdomen; however, it is most effective for those patients with small areas of excess fat. Additionally, many women who suffer from loose skin creating a “pooch” appearance on the lower abdomen after having a baby may be in need of tummy tuck surgery to remove excess skin and tighten muscles that can be stretched during pregnancy. It is best to first undergo a comprehensive cosmetic consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who also offers CoolSculpting® to assess your needs and which treatments will most effectively address them.
Coolsculpting does an amazing job of removing fat cells from the body, without surgery. One of the drawbacks to Coolsculpting, though, since it is non-invasive, is the loose skin that may appear after the fat cells are removed. The Coolsculting procedure does not address this. In my practice, I generally tell patients who want to lose greater than 15lbs, other options such as Liposuction (which is invasive and can address the loose, lax resulting skin) may work best.
After pregnancy and a C-Section, your probably are dealing with extra, saggy skin right now, before you have any procedures. Once the fatty tissue is removed, you will be dealing with more of this loose, hanging skin. While Coolscultping is perfect for the amount of fat you are dealing with, I think a Liposuction would better address both the weight loss you desire and the body sculpting that will then be required to get back your 'pre-baby body'. I also do not suggest Coolsculpting over a surgical area, such as where you had your C-Section.
My office provides a complementary consultation for patients interested in either Coolsculpting or Liposuction. This is the time that we can decide which procedure, or combination of procedures, will work best, with your body, to achieve your desired results. Mention you are a RealSelf patient, and receive a discount on your procedure.
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese, or a substitute for surgical methods such as liposuction. Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Your doctor will determine if treatment is right for you during a one-on-one consultation.
Web reference:
http://www.shapiroplasticsurgery.com/surgical-procedures/coolsculpting.php
Coolsculpting should ideally not be done directly over a prior surgical site (especially recent) . And should be avoided whenever possible. The best places for coolsculpting are the lower abdomen , flanks and bra fat areas. It is an excellent procedure when used in the proper area on the proper patient.
This could possibly be a great procedure depending on how long ago surgery was, the degree of scarring, the muscle tone in the area and very importantly the quality of skin. If muscle separation rather than excess fat is creating a bulge, CoolSculpting will not make an improvement. Likewise, if a concern is loose skin, CoolSculpting is not the answer. But, there are some women who have minimal muscle separation and good skin tone after a C-section. Only a consultation would give you the best information.
Web reference:
http://www.bluewaterspa.com/coolsculpting.html
